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KAREN’S POV

The sudden stillness in the cabin startled me. After the turbulence had thrown everyone into chaos, the silence felt almost unreal. I held Ashley’s hand tightly, my knuckles white, my pulse still racing from the adrenaline.

Then, the captain’s calm voice came over the speaker.

“Ladies and gentlemen, we apologize for the earlier turbulence. The issue has been resolved. You may relax now, and we thank you for your patience.”

I exhaled slowly, relief washing over me like warm sunlight. My body felt lighter, as if the tension I had been carrying for hours had finally been released. I glanced at Ashley, who gave me a reassuring smile, squeezing my hand gently.

“You okay?” he asked softly.

I nodded, my lips curling into a shaky smile. “Yes… I think I can finally breathe again.”

He chuckled lightly, though his eyes still held a trace of concern. 

“Good. I was hoping you would survive without hyperventilating.”

I rolled my eyes playfully, leaning my head against his shoulder. 

“Thanks for keeping me alive, Captain Ashley.”

He laughed, in a low tone, and it felt comforting. 

“Always.”

By the time the plane landed in Hobart, my nerves had mostly settled, but I was still aware of a lingering unease from the flight. We disembarked, the cool evening air filling the cabin as we stepped outside. A sleek black car was already waiting for us, that was one of Ashley's men; someone I had seen a few times before but didn’t know personally. He greeted us politely and helped with our luggage.

Ashley opened the rear door for me and I got in, then he did the same as well. Instead of heading straight home, Ashley made a brief detour to a nearby store. 

“We’re picking up a few things for the kids,” he explained with a grin. “Thought they would enjoy some surprises while we were away.”

I smiled, feeling a warm glow at how thoughtful he always was. 

“You really think of everything, don’t you?” I said with a smile.

He shrugged with an easy laugh. “I just like seeing you happy. And them too.”

We spent a little while picking out gifts like stuffed animals, toys, and books. I imagined Sugar and Karie’s excitement when they would unwrap them. The thought made my chest tighten with affection, and I felt a wave of joy wash over me. 

“I can’t wait to see their faces,” I said softly, holding a plush bear.

Ashley nodded, picking up a set of art supplies for Karie. 

“They’ll love these. Trust me.”

Finally, we stowed the packages carefully in the car and continued towards home. The streets of Hobart were quiet, and I felt a comforting sense of normalcy returning after the chaos of travel.

As we pulled into the driveway, my heart began to race. Memories of everything, our family life, my past with Roland, and all the tension flooded me. I tried to steady my breath.

The maids came out promptly, greeting Ashley and I warmly and helping with the bags. I watched as they carried the gifts inside, imagining the kids’ smiles when they saw them. I felt a small tug of happiness, but that feeling was instantly complicated when I stepped into the living room.

I saw who I didn't expect to see, and that was Roland.

He was there, standing calmly against the wall as though he had been waiting for us. My heart skipped a beat, and for a moment I couldn’t even breathe. The anger, the pain, the betrayal; all surged back in an instant.

Ashley noticed my sudden stiffening and murmured, 
“Karen…” He said as his hand found mine, offering silent strength and reassurance.

“I… I didn’t expect him to be here,” I whispered, my voice tight.

Ashley’s gaze softened, but there was an unmistakable tone of concern. 

“It’s okay. I’m right here. We’ll handle this together.”

I swallowed hard, bracing myself. Roland’s presence was like a cold wind sweeping through the room, unsettling everything. I had not expected to face him so soon, or at all, really.

Ashley subtly positioned himself slightly in front of me, his protective presence grounding me. I drew in a deep breath and turned to Roland, my tone firm. 

“Roland… I’ve made my decision. There’s nothing more to discuss. We’re done. Besides, it's been like 2 weeks and you're here?”

His jaw tightened, and he studied me with an unreadable expression. 

“Is that really what you think? That I came here for you?”

I met his gaze steadily. “Yes. If not, what else?” I asked, feeling more curious.

Roland’s eyes lingered on me, a flicker of something; anger, regret, or disbelief crossing his features. I didn’t let it shake me. I had made my choice, and I wouldn’t be drawn back into the past.

Then Jacqueline walked into the living room all of a sudden, holding a glass of juice. She looked concerned.

“Oh, my God. You're finally here.”

Roland then held a hand and Jaqueline didn't say anything further.

I frowned, my brow knitting together as I glanced at Roland.

“What was that for?” 

My hand tightened slightly around Ashley’s, and I could feel the faint tension radiating from him.

Roland ran a hand over his face, sighing. 

“Jacqueline, you don’t need to worry. I can explain everything myself,” he said calmly, though there was an edge to his tone that made my stomach twist.

Jacqueline hesitated, clutching the glass of juice like it was a lifeline. 

“Are you sure, Roland? I…”

“It’s fine,” he interrupted gently, giving her a reassuring nod. “I can tell them myself.”

I exchanged a quick glance with Ashley. My heart was beating faster than usual. I had a sinking feeling that whatever Roland was about to reveal wasn’t going to be simple. 

“What are you talking about?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

He met my gaze, his eyes steady and serious. 

“I also got the message,” he said slowly, as if weighing each word. “The one… the unknown text that was sent to you and Ashley.”

My chest tightened instantly, and Ashley’s fingers squeezed mine. I could feel the electricity of tension in the room, the kind that makes the air thick and hard to breathe.

“What message?” I asked cautiously, leaning forward.

Roland shook his head slightly, his expression unreadable. 

“You know what I'm talking about, and I think we need to talk about this carefully, because whoever sent it, it doesn't sound like it's just a prank.”